🔗 Share this article Man admits sex offences targeting children at summer program The defendant confessed to 17 offences at the courthouse on Friday A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old. The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July. The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently. However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy. The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th. 'Sweet game' The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings. She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed. Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible". She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning. She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025. The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause. "They decided to examine in the man's possessions." The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries. She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day. "Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added. The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation. Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again. She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.